KERS (Hybrid) Technology Comes Alive In The 2009 Formula 1 Season

(Woking, United Kingdom) - For the 2009 Formula 1 season, the sport of F1 has seen some very progressive moves that have helped to align it better with the upcoming revolutionary changes in automotive transport. For 2009, the Formula 1 teams have the option to incorporate KERS technology into the car's design, which stands for kinetic energy recovery system, and this captures the kinetic energy of braking and stores it for re-application of the power within the lap and on subsequent laps.

This week, the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team introduced their 2009 MP4-24 to the world's press and 2008 F1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, and his team-mate Heikki Kovalainen were on hand to unveil the car to the public. The new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 incorporates the new KERS technology up to the FIA regulations maximum allowance, and also the new FIA mandatory requirements for aerodynamics and slick tires. The new FIA aerodynamics regulations address front wing downforce and improved rear wing laminar flow release requirements to allow pursuing vehicles more opportunity to pass at high speeds. This has been done by banning add-on air flow deflectors in the rear of F1 cars.

The new MP4-24 can store up to 60 kW/400 kJ of braking (deceleration) energy and put down an additional to engine 80 bhp for a duration of 6.66s per lap. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 team have been working on the MP4-24 since September 2007 as the changes were quite significant in the 2009 FIA regulations. Currently, the team has built two MP4-24 chassis and will initiate testing of the cars next week at the Autodromo do Algarve circuit in Portugal.

At the press conference, Lewis Hamilton had the following to say about the car he will pilot this season, "The arrival of a new car is always an emotional moment for any racing driver - and the unveiling of MP4-24 is even more special for me, not only because the car looks absolutely stunning, but also because it carries the number one - world champions. I believe this year's world championship is open, given the new rule changes, and that's a great prospect for every Formula 1 fan. Personally, I'm hoping for another successful season and the chance to once again fight for the title"